China Responds to Cyber-Attack Reports

Over the weekend, researchers in Canada and the United Kingdom released reports alleging the existence of vast cyber-spying networks traced back to computers in China. Chinese government officials declined to comment on the allegations, according to the WSJ’s Ben Worthen, and in the past the government has consistently denied claims that it sponsors cyber-espionage.

In the latest case, it seems that a different tack has been adopted, with responses that don’t exactly amount to denials coming from several analysts quoted in the state-run China Daily newspaper.

“This is purely another political issue that the West is trying to exaggerate,” said Song Xiaojun, described as a Beijing-based strategy and military analyst. “As China grows, some in the West are trying every opportunity to manufacture fears over China’s threat.”

Peking University professor Zhu Feng said, “Cybersecurity has been a global issue, but this time those who see China as an emerging threat again have picked the subject as a new weapon.”